Product Designer (EdTech)
“Don't sit alone and don't look for work in silence.”
Moving sometimes seems like a routine task: transport your belongings, get your paperwork in order, find a place to live. The hardest part begins afterwards — when you have to make yourself 'visible' on a new job market, in a new language, in a new culture.
I live in Serbia and work at the intersection of design and EdTech. Officially I'm a curriculum developer, but in reality I'm the course author, lead and project manager. This is my design program — my vision being realised.
Before moving I was already juggling these roles: writing courses while working on design — interfaces, presentations, websites, whatever was needed. I'd describe myself as a communication designer who gradually shifted toward interface design.
I compared EdTech and design. In EdTech, there are very few international openings — literally a handful; you barely have time to test your hypotheses. In design there are more openings, the salary ceiling is higher, and I find it more interesting.
It's very difficult without warm connections. The response rate is noticeably higher through referrals. Cold applications produced almost no invitations at first. Even later, the screening might pass, but the interview with the hiring manager is harder — every manager has their own perspective.
“In the international market, if you don't have warm leads, it's very, very difficult.”
I cast a wide net at first: many opportunities, testing my resume, reaching out to all my contacts. Learning through trial and error.
I tried LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Welcome to the Jungle (good for EU/UK/US), and almost every site from career consultants' lists. Most didn't work — empty, outdated or unreviewed. What worked best were two Telegram channels with job listings: 'Connectable Jobs' and 'Remocate' — specifically their niche design sub-channels, where new listings appear every day.
“If you find a job opening on LinkedIn, go to the company's website and apply there as well.”
Through consultations and iterations. They helped me focus, choose a strategy and prepare for interviews. The key isn't a 'perfect format,' but meaning: the resume should reflect the design itself, not just generic metrics. I barely tailored to specific roles — three resume versions and one strong cover letter highlighting my three main skills.
LinkedIn is mixed. It's a showcase, but the platform filters out candidates so recruiters don't always see them. For me it's a discovery tool — but apply on the company's website.
What helped me not get stuck: support from people. Consultants, loved ones, a psychologist. And specific practices: I keep track of my achievements, metrics and feedback from clients and employers — when I hit a rough patch, I go back to them. My own portfolio also helped: it's a project I get to design exactly how I want, not for a client, but for recruiters and hiring managers.
“It's very important not to be alone. There's a lot of negativity — and you have to endure it.”
Listen less to that inner voice that puts you down. It's okay to be afraid — but do it anyway. Test strategies. Don't be shy about asking for the salary you want.
“Name the salary you want. Some people will walk away — but others will agree.”
Build your 'power portfolio': achievements, reviews, results. Revisit it when things seem bleak. And be honest in how you present yourself — better to find 'your people' than to sell a polished version.
“The eyes are afraid — the hands do the work. Go and test it out.”
